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Topic Closed171 vs 177
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popgoesweasel View Drop Down
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Joined: 22 Jan 2010
Location: Costa Rica
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Posts: 49 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: 171 vs 177
    Posted: 20 Jul 2010 at 4:47pm
We're going only for the anti-sway without the equalizer.  Weight distribution has not been an issue towing with the Tacoma but sway from passing trucks has been.  We have not been in any weather with crosswinds but want to account for them as well.
R171 2010
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Site 40 Eastern Rally 2010
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2010 at 1:04pm
I've found my 171 has the best towing experience of any trailer I've towed in the last 22 years.  My popup would have been suicide to tow w/o sway control and while I didn't have it, I probably should have added a WDH (weight distribution hitch) because it was a lot heavier than the 'pod.  I don't use either with the 'pod. 
 
Your TV (tow vehicle) may give you different results.  Sway can be different with different wheel bases, and distance between the rear axle and the hitch ball.  Your TV may have a suspension that sags too much w/o a WDH.  Mine does but I currently use airbags to compensate.
 
That said, after towing it 8 hours in heavy traffic last week I'm now considering a WDH with sway control.  With all the vehicles passing me the air pressure waves made things a little dicey at times.  Past trips didn't have heavy traffic so had few issues.  I figure if I'm going to add sway control I might as well go all the way and add a WDH with sway control so I don't have to rely on the air bags.
 
This is the one I'm considering: http://www.equalizerhitch.com/
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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splante View Drop Down
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Posts: 21 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2010 at 7:29am
Will be towing with a Nissan Xterra.  I have a Ford Escape, but too close to the weight limit with the 177.  

The dealer is recommending Pro Series Weight Distribution with Friction Sway Control kit...does that seem logical?
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2010 at 10:50pm
What are you towing with?
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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splante View Drop Down
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Posts: 21 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2010 at 6:31pm
Thanks for the feedback!  We decided the bit of extra room in the 177 was important with 2 dogs...and the more bed space.  Rules out towing with my car, but luckily my husband's car has greater towing capability.  
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Posts: 39 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2010 at 11:20am
Wife and I have the 177 and love it.  The pop out kitchen sold us.   It's not much extra room, but it really helps.
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Posts: 1222 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jul 2010 at 2:03pm
     Advantages of the 177 over the 171 would be more floor space more light with kitchen window and more space to get in and out of bed. Disadvantages of the 177 would be more weight, cost, and not sure but believe less cabinet space. We have the 171 the 177 was not built when we bought ours. Now we would consider the 177, though we have only seen them in pictures. Others by what I have read prefered the 177 over the 171 and some have said they are happy with the 171 and prefered not to have the 177. Its a personal choice.      David and Danette
2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-              
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
Middle Tn
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splante View Drop Down
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Joined: 16 Jul 2010
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Posts: 21 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jul 2010 at 9:27am
Any opinions or feedback people can give on the 171 vs 177?  Thanks!
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